New science lab, cost increases prompt big budget increase

Friday

Sep 19, 2008 at 5:02 AM

By COURTNEY ALBON

T-G Staff Writer

The Career Center school board on Thursday night approved a 16.1 percent budget increase from fiscal year 2008 to 2009.

Treasurer Sherry Paullin said the typical budget increase is between 2 percent and 5 percent, but the purchase of equipment for new and existing programs "always skews the figures." The main reason for the big jump is the cost of equipment for the school's new bioscience lab.

"I don't want to see us go back to nickel-and-diming over equipment at the expense of the programs," Paullin said.

Career Center Superintendent Mike McDaniel said that while the increase looks like a lot, the investment being made in the school's programs and students is vital to the future.

"We are our programs. ... In the past, we didn't have the resources to invest in the programs, and it cost us in terms of what we have to offer to students," he said.

Board member Bob Hill, who is a representative from the Ashland school board, pointed out that even without one-time expenses for new equipment, there is still a 9.7 percent increase in the budget " at least 4 percent more than the typical change.

"I have a tough time seeing how that'll be mitigated," he said.

Also behind the increase is the rising cost of utilities and medical benefits, Paullin said.

In other business, David Kleinschmidt, director of adult and continuing education programs, announced that the bioscience program will begin in its new facilities Monday.

Kleinschmidt said he is unsure of exact enrollment numbers, but that approximately 12 students are enrolled in the 600-hour program. Kleinschmidt estimated 25 to 30 more students would enroll if funding were available.

He said he is working to establish an adult education foundation through which interested donors could contribute to scholarships.

n Courtney Albon can be reached at 419-281-0581 ext. 243 or at calbon@times-gazette.com.

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